<p>Many patients are told by their doctors that lymphoedema is ‘just a bit of swelling’. The onset of lymphoedema after cancer treatment can be a devastating experience for many patients and is often viewed as the ‘final straw’. The psychological impact can be immense as patients struggle with feelings of isolation, altered body image and a constant reminder of their cancer. Access to appropriate treatment and support is essential for the successful management of this chronic condition. Here a member of the Lymphoedema Support Network tells her story, echoing the feelings of many other people who develop lymphoedema after treatment for breast cancer.</p>